Governer General calls for alcohol advertising ban
Some alcohol advertising in Honiara
The Solomon Islands Governor General has suggested there should be a ban on alcohol advertising unless more is done to educate the country on the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Speaking during his official speech at the Queen’s Birthday celebrations in Honiara yesterday, His Excellency Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui said the undesirable social effect of alcohol consumption was widespread.
The Governor Genera said he would not be surprised if Solomon Islands was one of the biggest beer-loving nations in the Pacific and suggested the ban could come in place to stop the normalisation of alcohol.
He said records have indicated 81.5 percent of the population drunk alcohol. And last year alone, he said, the total number of liquor licenses in Honiara alone was 158.
He said that did not include the black markets and kwaso manufacturers.
He said in Honiara and Guadalcanal, children of 10 and above consumed alcohol.
Isabel was higher in alcohol consumption than Honiara, Guadalcanal and Temotu.
Sir Frank said alcohol abuse in the country was responsible for countless negative effects in our society.